Device for automatically rotating cases of bottled fluid



Feb. 25, 1941. R. c. WILSON DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ROTATING CASES OF BOTTLED'FLUID Filed Nov. 27, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V INVENTOR- E- E- WILEUN 927 r ATTORNE Y. r

R. C. WILSON Feb. 25, 1941.

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ROTATING CASES OF BOTTLED FLUID 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 27, 1939 INVENTOR.

. E- E- W LEUN 2 7v I ATTORNEY. r

Patented Feb. 25, 1941 UNITED STATES DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ROTATING CASES OF BOTTLED FLUID Richard C. Wilson, Des Moines, Iowa Application November 27, 1939, Serial No. 306,302

3 Claims.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a device that will automatically turn and rotate cases of bottles holding mixtures of fluids, such as certain beverages, whereby the turning and rotating of the case will successfully mix the ingredients in each of the bottles in the case.

A further object of this invention is to provide a case rotating device that will rotate the case a predetermined number of rotations end over end, but will securely and safely hold the case during the rotation period.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a device for rotating cases that will be quickly and easily adjusted to fit cases of different types and different sizes.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an automatic case rotating device that is easily manipulated and one that is under the complete control ofthe operator at all times.

A still further" object of this invention is to provide a case rotator that is capable of automatic operation by the mere feeding of the cases to and into the same.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a device for turning and rotating cases of bottled beverages and like that is economical in manufacture and durable in use.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

My invention consists in the construction, arrangement and-combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the 35 accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side'view of my device ready for use.

Fig. 2 is a top plan-view of my device for automatically rotating cases of bottled beverage or like.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of my apparatus with upper portions cut away to more fully illustrate its construction.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged end sectional view of a portion of my'device.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of the timing cam used in the device.

.Fig. 6 is an enlarged side view of the cam roller assembly.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged bottom plan view of a portion of the device.

Fig. 8 is a side cross sectional view of the portion of the device illustrated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged side View of the automatic starting mechanism of the device.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged side view of the roller switch and its operating finger.

It is common practice in any bottling works to tumble the bottles end over end after they have been capped in order to properly mix the ingredients inside the bottle. This is particularly true of many kinds of bottled beverages. The usual practice is to use automatic machinery that will individually pick up each bottle and tumble it automatically. Such machinery, however, is very slow, costly and complicated and much breakage of the bottles isexperienced. I have overcome such objections by providing an apparatus that will tumble and rotate automatically an entire case of bottled goods.

Referring to the drawings, I have used the numeral ill to designate the table of my device. The numeral ll designates a top portion of the table on the upper right hand portion of the table frame. This flat surface portion ll extends upwardly and inwardly toward the center portion of the table. The numeral I2 designates the second top section of the table and which is located on the upper left hand corner portion. This fiat table top portion l2 extends upwardly and inwardly toward the center portion of the table and is spaced apart from the top portion l I to provide a substantial space between the members II- and I2, which I have designated by the numeral l3. The numeral l4 designates rows of ordinary rollers rotatably mounted in and onthe table top portions II and [2, as shown in Fig. 2. These rollers extend longitudinally of the table and their upper portions reach planes above the table top portions to which they are secured in order to support and facilitate the manual sliding of boxes, crates or like across the table.

The numerals I5 and I6 designate two bearing members on the table frame l0 extending vertically above the table. These two spaced apart bearing members are positioned substantially equal distances between the table top portions H and-l2. The numeral l1 designates a stub shaft rotatably mounted in the bearing [5. The numeral l8 designates a stub shaft rotatably mounted in the bar I6. These two stub shafts l1 and [8 have their inner ends suitably secured to the two outer sides respectively of an open ended trough member Hi. This trough member I9 is positioned between the two sections II and I2 as shown in Fig. 2, and the bottom of the trough when the same is in a horizontal position is substantially flush with the inner ends of the sections II and I2. Due to the slopes of the sections II and I2, the inner edge of the member H is usually slightly above the inside bottom of the trough I9, while the inner end of the section I2 may be slightly below the inside bottom of the trough I9, in order that crates or cases may be easily slid from the portion II into the trough portion and from the trough portion onto the section I2.

The numeral 20 designates an inverted open ended trough portion telescoping with the portion I9, as shown in Fig. 4. By this arrangement the distance between the bottoms of the members I9 and 20 may be adjustably held. The members I9 and 28 may be rigidly secured together after the proper adjustment has been obtained by any suitable means such as screws 2| extending through slots 22 in the sides of the member I9 and threaded into the sides of the member 28. These two members I9 and 29 form a box member open at its two ends and is designed to hold the case of bottled fluid during the tumbling process.

Obviously when the shaft I8 is rotated, this box housing will rotate end over end. The numeral 23 designates an electric motor on the. table ID. The numerals 24 and 25 designate two electric lead lines, each having one of their ends connected to the motor 23 in the usual manner and their other ends designed to be in communication with the negative and positive sides of a suitable source of electrical energy. The numeral 26 designates an ordinary switch ofthe depressible roller type embodied in the electric circuit of the two lead wires 24 and 25. This switch is secured to the frame of the table II] and below the section I2. The numeral 21 designates the depressible roller of this circuit-breaking switch. The numeral 28 designates a sprocket wheel operatively connected to the motor 23. The numeral 29 designates a shaft suitably rotatably mounted to the lower frame portion of the table I0. The numeral 30 designates a friction clutch of the ordinary type embracing the shaft 29 and connected to the sprocket wheel 3 I. The numeral 32 designates an endless chain embracing the sprocket wheels 28 and 3|. The numeral 33 designates a sprocket wheel on the shaft I8. The numeral 34 designates a sprocket wheel on the shaft 29. The numeral 35 designates an endless chain embracing the sprocket wheels 33 and 34. By this arrangement when the motor is running, the shaft 29 will yieldingly rotate, thereby rotating the shaft I8 which will rotate the case or crate housing and shaft I1. The numeral 36 designates a plate member slidably mounted on the table frame III and just below the inner end portion of the member I2. This member 36 is capable of sliding to a position under the left end portion of the member I9 and is depressed near its center portion as shown in Fig. 4, to permit the clearance at times of certain parts yet to be explained. The numeral 31 designates a shaft operatively slidably mounted to and longitudinally of the member I8, having one end capable of engaging the member 36, as shown in Fig. 3. The numeral 38 designates a shaft rotatably mounted on the member I0 and below the section II. This shaft 38 extends transversely of the table and has a finger 39 secured to its center. This finger 39 is capable of extending upwardly above the section II through a slot 48 in the section II, as

shown in Fig. 1. This slot 49 is positioned longitudinally of the section I I, near its inner end, and between the two rows of rollers I4 on the section II. When the finger 39 extends above the surface of the top II, it extends upwardly and inwardly toward the center portion of the table. The numeral 4I designates a movable catch on the upper surface of the member II for locking the finger 39 in a lowered condition at times. The numeral 42 designates an arm having one end rigidly secured to the shaft 38. The numeral 43 designates a link having one end pivoted to the shaft 31 and its other end pivoted to the lower end of the arm 42, as shown in Fig. 9. By this arrangement when the finger 39 is depressed, the shaft 31 will be moved out of engagement with the member 36 and when the finger is in an elevated position, the shaft 31 will be in a forward sliding position. When the shaft 31 is in such forward position, it will have moved the plate 36 forwardly to the left and out from under the forward end of the member I9.

The numeral 44 designates a coil spring having one end operatively engaging the table I8 and its other end engaging the shaft 31 for yieldingly holding the finger 39 in an elevated condition. The numeral 45 designates a sprocket wheel secured to a cam 46, which in turn is suitably operatively mounted to the frame of the member ID. The numeral 41 designates a sprocket wheel on the shaft I1. The numeral 48 designates an endless chain embracing the sprocket wheels 45 and 41. .The numeral 49 designates an idler wheel engaging the chain 38. The numeral 58 designates an arm secured to the member 36. The numeral 5I designates a roller mounted on the free end of the arm 50 and capable of engaging and rolling on the periphery of the cam 46. The numeral 52 designates a second arm secured to the member 36 and capable of engaging and depressing the switch roller 21 when the member 36 is slid forwardly and to the left. By this construction, when the member 36 is moved forwardly and to the left, the switch roller 21 will be depressed and the electric circuit will be completed by the switch, thereby causing the motor 23 to operate. The numeral 53 designates a coil spring having one end operatively connected to the member 36, and its other end operatively connected to the table for yieldingly holding the member 36 toward and under the forward end of the member I9.

The numeral 54 designates a plurality of holes in the center rear bottom portion of the member I9. The numeral 55 designates a leaf spring adjustably positioned on the bottom of the member 19 by a bolt, screw or like 56. The numeral 51 designates a lug catch element on the free end of the member 55 capable of extending through one of the holes 54. This member 51 has its upper end extending inwardly and upwardly as shown in Fig. 8. By this construction a case may be slid into the housing and over this catch 51, but after it has passed the member 51, the member 51 will move upwardly and prevent the removal of the case from the housing in the same direction from whence it came. 1

By adjusting the member 55 on the bottom of the member I9, different sized cases may be handled in my device.

The numeral 58 designates a shaft rotatably mounted on the bottom of the member I9. This shaft 58 extends longitudinally ofthe member I9 and has its forward end capable of extending above the member 36 when the member 36 is in a rearward position. The numeral 59 designates a row of holes in the bottom center forward end portion of the member I9. The numeral 50 designates a finger slidably adjustably mounted on 35 r'earwardly. The arrangement, position and the shaft 58 and capable of extending upwardly through one of the holes 59 when the shaft 58 is rotated. The finger 60 may be adjustably positioned along the length of the shaft 58 so that it will enter any one of the desired holes 59. ()bviously the distance between the member 60 and member 51 would be only slightly greater than the length of the case to be tumbled. The numeral 6| designates an arm on the shaft 58 capable of engaging the plate 36 when the plate 36 is in a rearward position. By this arrangement when the plate 36 is in a rearward position, the member 6| will engage it, thereby rotating the shaft 58 and moving the finger 60 below the upper surface of the member IS. The numeral 62 designates a coil spring for yieldingly holding the arm 6| in a lowered condition when the same is not engaged by the bar 36. When the bar 36 is in a forward position, the member 6| will move downwardly, thereby bringing the finger 60 to a position above the surface of the member I9. I have used the numeral 63 to designate a crate, box, case or like. To facilitate the movement of cases into and out of the member I9, I have provided ordinary supporting rollers 64 in the bottom of the member IS.

The practical operation of my device is as follows:

With a case resting on the member II and ready to be tumbled, the finger 39 will be depressed, the bar 36 will be in a rearward position, the roller 5! will be in the groove of the cam 43, the switch 26 will be open and the case holdin housing comprising the members 19 and 29 will be in a position as shown in Fig. 1. It is merely necessary to push the case to be tumbled forwardly over the catch 51 and into the members l9 and 29, which make up the housing. The case will move forwardly until it engages the member Bil, which will prevent its further movement through the member if). The catch lock 51 will move upwardly to the rear of the case and prevent its removal in that direction. Immediately upon the passing of the case from the finger 39, the spring 44 will raise the finger 39 and move the shaft 37 forwardly, thereby forcing the bar 33 forwardly and to the left. This action of the movement of the member 36 forwardly will be prior to the case reaching the forward end of the member IS and, therefore, as herebefore explained, the member 60 will be in an elevated condition to prevent the complete sliding of the case through the housing. With the member 36 moved forwardly, the arm 52 will depress the switch roller and start the prime mover 23. Also with the member 35 in a forward position, the roller 5| will be moved free of the cam 86. With the motor rotating, the housing I9 and 2!! will start to rotate end over end, carrying with it the case of bottled goods. During this operation, another case is moved into position on the member II, which depresses the finger 39. With the finger 39 held downwardly, the shaft 31 will be slid to the right and out of engagement with the member 36. The member 3'5, however, cannot move rearwardly immediately, inasmuch as the roller 5| will be engaging the major portion of the circumference of the cam 46. However, with the housing rotating, the shaft I! will rotate, which will cause the cam to to rotate also. Eventually the depression in the cam M will move adjacent the roller 5! and when this takes place, the roller will enter the groove of the cam, thereby permitting the spring 53 to move the arm 50 and member timing of all of the parts are such that the normal rear end of the housing will not engage the bar 35 but the next time the housing approaches a normal horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1, the arm 6! will engage the bar 36, thereby lowering the holding finger 68. Usually the slope will be such that the case inside the housing, will by force of gravity roll out onto the members M on the table top if. Of course, the motor will be shut off at a period of time slightly before the housing reaches this position for the simple reason that when the member 36 moves to the rear at the time when the roller 5i enters the groove of the cam, the arm 52 will move out of engagement with the roller 21, breaking the electric circuit. Although the timing is such that the motor will cut off shortly before th housing reaches a normal horizontal position, the momentum of rotation of the housing will be sufficient to carry it to a point where the member 6| engages the bar 36. Obviously the device canbe so constructed as to provide any number of rotations of the housing before the cam 46 reaches a position to permit the movement of the bar 36 to the rear. From the foregoing it will readily be seen that my device will automatically rotate entire cases of bottled fluids. If it is desired to not have the device automatically stopped after a predetermined number of rotations, it is merely necessary to permit the cam 39 to be in an elevated position and the spring 44 will continue to hold the bar 36 forwardly and the housing will continue to rotate. If no second case is available and it is desired to stop the rotating of the housing, the finger 35 may be depressed and the catch member 4| swung over it in order to hold it in a lowered condition. The housing may be held against rotation at any time by merely manually grasping it. The clutch 30 provides this desirable and safety feature.

- Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of my improved device for automatically rotating cases of bottled fluid, without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim:

1. In a device of the class described, a table having an opening in its top, a housing open at both its ends rotatably mounted in said opening, a means for rotating said housing at times, a bar member slidably mounted on the forward end portion of said table and capable of rearward sliding movement to a position under one end of said housing, and a depressible finger on the rear portion of said table operatively connected to said bar and capable of moving said bar rearwardly of said housing when depressed; said finger positioned at the rear of said housing and designed to be held in a depressed position by a case of bottled fluid at times, a catch means on one end portion of said housing, and a latch means on the other end portion of said housing capable of engagement with said bar when said bar is in a position under said housing; said latch means being rendered inoperative by said engagement with said bar.

2. In a device of the class described, a table having an opening in its top, a housing open at both its ends rotatably mounted in said opening, a means for rotating said housing at times, a

bar member slidably mounted on the forward end portion of said table and capable of rearward sliding movement to a position under one end of said housing, and a depressible finger on the rear portion of said table operatively connected to said bar and capable of moving said bar rearwardly of said housingwhen depressed; said finger positioned at the rear of said housing and designed to be held in a depressed position by a case of bottled fluid at times, a spring means for yieldingly holding said bar in a position under one end of said housing at times, and a cam means operatively connected to said housing and to said bar for preventing the movement of said bar to a position under one end of said housing until said housing has rotated a predetermined number of revolutions.

3. In adevice of the class described, a table having an opening in its top, a housing open at both its ends rotatably mounted in said opening, a means for rotating said housing at times, a bar member slidably mounted on the forward end portion of said table and capable of rearward sliding movement to a position under one end of said housing, and a depressible finger on the rear portion of said table operatively connected to said bar and capable of moving said bar rearwardly of said housing when depressed; said finger positioned at the rear of said housing and designed to be held in a depressed position by a case of bottled fluid at times, a spring means for yieldingly holding said bar in a position under one end of said housing at times, a cam means operatively connected to said housing and to said bar for preventing the movement of said bar to a position under one end of said housing until said housing has rotated a predetermined number of revolutions, an electric motor operatively connected to said housing, an electric circuit connected to said motor and designed to be in communication with a source of electrical energy, and a switch imposed in said circuit and capable of being operatively actuated by the movement 20 of said bar.

RICHARD C. WILSON. 

